New Imperial scheme launches to signpost support available for staff

The new Staff Supporters

The new Staff Supporters Scheme will help staff access support and guidance.

Staff Supporters are able to provide confidential assistance on a wide range of issues, from queries about career advice or flexible working, to concerns about the behaviour of a colleague.

They are all existing members of staff who have received bespoke training. They can act as a signposting and guidance service to provide information directly to staff, helping colleagues who don't know who to contact about a particular problem.

The first 23 Staff Supporters gathered for a launch event last Monday with the Provost. Speaking about the new scheme, he said:

“I am proud of the wide range of support on offer for staff here at Imperial, but it is clear from feedback that not all of these services are widely known. That is why we have created the Staff Supporters Scheme to help staff access appropriate advice and help when they need it.

“I’d like to say thank you to our Staff Supporters, without whom the scheme would not be possible.”

Meet the Supporters

The Staff Supporters are drawn from across different areas of the College, and based at the College’s Hammersmith, Silwood Park and South Kensington Campuses.

Lee Bryant is Operational Manager in the College’s Security Services. Talking about why he volunteered for the scheme, he said:

“I do quite a bit of signposting as part of my job anyway – people will often come to me to ask who they should speak to about a certain issue, and I know lots of people in different areas of the College. So for me, this is partly a way of formalising that role.

“I also wanted to give something back – I’ve worked at Imperial for over 20 years now, and the College has been very supportive to me during some difficult periods in my life.

“The Supporters are such a diverse group of people – it would be difficult not to be able to relate to someone!”

Louise O’Sullivan is Head of Student Programmes in the Department of Bioengineering. She said:

“I’m quite new to the College, but I had started to realise how much there is on offer at in terms of support.

“Our training covered the breadth of policies and support mechanisms available, as well as how we can best offer impartial and confidential support.

“I’ve really appreciated it when people have given me a bit of direction, and I wanted to be able to help people out if they’re in a difficult situation or just need a pointer.”

Find out more about the Staff Supporters Scheme